Introduction, amidst uncertainty

Hello all,

Lurking and learning here for a little while, but thought I’d (35M, UK) post (though not hugely sure to what aim).

I went to A&E a couple of months ago with sharp right-side pain (more out of caution for appendicitis than anything else). A tiny amount of blood was detected in the urine, so had a CT scan (no contrast) of the kidneys to check for a stone. Nothing was found, so the doctor assumed it was passed. All blood tests were normal.

However I’ve had various lingering pains and symptoms since, and while all normal on a second round of liver blood tests, an ultrasound showed mild fatty liver (though this wasn’t exactly defined) and slightly enlarged. Everything else appeared normal. I’d imagine it’s due to alcohol - I’m primarily a social drinker (c.3 times a week, though sometimes it can be heavy for parties, weddings etc) but frankly it all adds up over the years. Never had any issues giving up for periods (Lent, some of the lockdowns, dry Jan, currently etc) but I’m concerned that a rush of symptoms I’ve had in the last couple of months indicate more serious damage.

My hands/ feet look redder, weight lost, right side pains (including neck/shoulder), darker urine (albeit not cola-coloured and no real smell), broken veins on chest that looks like “paper money skin” (though not the classic spider angioma I see in other photos, but still feels worrying ), poor sleep, drop in libido etc. Some of these probably predated recent weeks and I’d just never really noticed them (can’t say I spent much time looking at my hands previously), but it feels like a less than desirable pattern. Some, like pain, are intermittent and I also do appreciate some could be related to the general anxiety that uncertainty brings!

I originally felt reassured by the blood tests and the US result, but the more I read up on it the less convinced I am given that the tests can often be fine despite deeper problems, and the US has fairly limited sensitivity for early changes (though I definitely don’t think I’m decompensated cirrhotic!).

I’ve therefore got a fibroscan on Friday (doing privately for speed), which I’m hoping for the best at, but sort of fearing the worst. Given relative youth (though harder to claim now I’m in my mid-30s, alas) I’d never really given my general health too much thought as I didn’t have any issues that I’d noticed up until the start of July (perhaps barring some increased indigestion, but few people go to the doctor for that). Now I’m starting to feel almost neurotic about it.

I think I’m mainly just unburdening here as I’ve kept it to myself for now (I live alone in London and would rather not worry friends and family until I have a clearer sense of what I’m dealing with). It’s been helpful to read on here of other’s experiences and learn the terminology and processes. There’s no question really here to answer, so no expectation of responses to this rather lengthy post either!

[gertrudestein]

Hi Pad

If you've been lurking here you'll have seen that there is plenty of general advice for those awaiting a firm diagnosis.

Please try not to google too much - stick with publications from NHS sources and the handy guides on this site. Keep a limit on alcohol (zero is ideal) and eat healthily as far as you can and exercise, even if it's just a brisk walk.

I am in remission with AIH and hope to continue thus but having had the original diagnosis and a short spell in hospital, I am now far more aware of the least little twinge which tends to set the nerves jangling and the mind racing with "what ifs".

Thankfully, it usually turns out to be something like overdoing on the spring cleaning or lifting a heavy weight carelessly - or just old age, for which there is no cure

[Hidden in reply to gertrudestein]

Thank you - hard to concentrate on other things at times, but eating well, not drinking and just been for a 5km run so doing ok right now.

[Worriedwestyorks]

hope it goes well for you. I’m awaiting fibroscan and worried too. Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Worriedwestyorks]

Thanks - hopefully you have it soon? And I see from your other post that the US looked ok, so hopefully that’s reassuring for you.

[Worriedwestyorks]

hiya, yes I’m not sure when the Fibro scan is yet but hopefully soon. I’m a little reassured that the scan was clear so hopefully at worst something that I can reverse with the right lifestyle changes. So good to chat to people on here. The medics spend 2 mins on the phone with you, drop the ‘bomb’ (e.g referring for fibroscan) and you’re left in a spiral of worry and questions.

[Hidden in reply to Worriedwestyorks]

Fingers crossed it’s scheduled for you shortly.

[Hidden]

Had the fibroscan this morning and all came back broadly fine (S1/F0-1). Will trust the accuracy of the test, so reassuring on overall liver health and definitely something I’ll be thinking about much more closely in the future.

Back to the GP though to try and understand what is actually going on with my body.